Meanwhile, over on ITV1, Coronation Street fared relatively well with its first two episodes of the year. The double bill, in which Becky and Steve came to blows over having children and Audrey enjoyed an evening with her escort Lewis, drew 8.55m (28.3%) and 9.79m (33.4%) at 7.30pm and 8.30pm respectively.

Emmerdale's screening averaged its highest audience over the Christmas and New Year period, logging 7.27m (24.9%).

Channel 4's latest edition of Hollyoaks remained below the million mark for the second day running, marginally edging yesterday's all-time low of 840k, taking 845k (3.1%) at 6.30pm.